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Asthma Prevention

Asthma: Prevention


Top Prevention

1. Use a peak flow meter

A peak flow meter is a device which helps you in determining how your lungs are functioning. Your physician can suggest the steps which you should take when your readings are low. This peak flow meter is generally used in the morning and night. Blow with your full strength at least three times. Take the average of these three readings and note them down in a notebook. Follow the recommendations of your physician in case a decrease in the peak flow readings is observed.ย 

2. Communicate with your doctor

If you are at a greater risk of developing symptoms of asthma, then you have to make sure that you communicate regularly with your doctor. You doctor can give you valuable suggestions regarding low peak flow readings and asthma flareups. Ailments and illness, such as common cold, can exacerbate your asthma. Talk to your doctor about managing these disorders. In other words, you have to make sure that you are aware of all the aspects of this disease.

3. Sanitize your mattress, pillows and stuffed animals

Dust mites often act as asthma triggers, therefore, you have to take some preventive steps so that they cannot dwell in your house, especially in the mattresses and pillows. You can use plastic cases for covering pillows and mattresses. Stuffed animals, curtains, rugs or comforters are also favorable locations for dust mites, so make sure that these items are washed every week. It will be much better if you wash them in hot water (about 130 degrees) as the dust mites and other allergens cannot survive in such conditions.

4. Plug in a dehumidifier

It has been observed that moldy environments cause an increase in the symptoms of asthma in many people. In such cases, you can use a dehumidifier which removes the moisture from air, making it much more difficult for the molds to survive.

5. Watch air quality reports

Monitoring air quality reports on a regular basis can drastically reduce the risk of developing asthma. With the help of these reports, you can easily determine when it is safe to be outside and when it is better to be indoors. If the officials report the air quality to be in the red zone, then we suggest avoiding physical activities between 10 am to 4 pm. Although, you can get involved in activities when the air quality is in the orange or yellow zones, but it will be much better to consult with your doctor first. He can advice you about limiting your activities for different levels of air quality. You must also limit your exposure to smoke. If you have been thinking of quitting smoking, then this is the right time to do so. The airways get constricted because of cigarette smoke, which leads to an increase in asthma symptoms.

6. Regular exercise

Get used to the fact that your lungs are also like any other muscle in the body, and in order to make sure that they stay healthy, you need to exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise has proven to be effective for most people with asthma. However, it will be better if you consult your doctor before getting started. In most cases, asthma won’t prevent you from performing any of these activities, but it is still better to talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.

7. Medications

The best way to prevent asthma flareups is adhering to the medications. Follow the recommendations of your doctor carefully. Talk to your doctor if the side effects from the medication is bothering you or if you feel that the medication is not working for you. It is also important that you are able to deal with asthma flareups, which may occur even after taking these precautions. Your doctor can write a prescription for an extra set of rescue medications which can help you out in such situations.

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